Family & Systemic Constellations
Why come for a Family Constellation?
Sometimes despite all the work and healing we do on ourselves, we are not able to shift stuckness or to bring resolution to an issue. That is because the source of the issue or problem may lie within the family system.
We all have the need to be part of the family (even if at times you may not feel like it). This is especially true as a child, as our life depends on belonging. To belong we may take, unconsciously and with love, that are not ours. We do this unconsciously from a place of love.
These entanglements may result in repeated behavioural patterns, relationship difficulties, addictions, health problems, financial struggles and more. The phenomenological process of Family Constellations reveals what is not obvious – showing where entanglements lie. The acknowledgement of ‘what is’ using healing sentences, lovingly releases one from the entanglement and the movement towards healing is set in motion. Constellations open the way for love to flow.
It is a ‘movement towards healing’ as how long it takes for the effect of the Constellation to be felt varies. I have experienced immediate relief and at other times after few months realise that circumstances have changed. What I can say with certainty that is I have experienced beautiful and deep healing from Constellation work.
For some supportive therapy or energy healing may be needed to assist you on the journey of healing after the Constellation.
Constellations are offered both in group workshops or in private with a client with a one-on-one constellation. One-on-one constellations are offered online and in person.
What happens in a Family Constellation?
The Constellation Facilitator starts by listening to the client (the issue holder) and asking questions to get an understanding of the issue requiring healing and information on the client’s family.
The facilitator then asks the client to select people from the group to represent specific people – usually family members of the client. The representatives are placed by the client or find their own place within the circle. As they do so they step into “The Field”, also known as the “Knowing Field”.
It is in this “Knowing Field” that the magic unfolds as the representatives tap into the person they represent. They notice sensations in their body, feelings arise, their attention may be drawn to another representative or somewhere else in the room. As the Constellation unfolds the unconscious entanglements are revealed. The facilitator offers healing sentences which allow acknowledge what is and sentences to bring about shifts so that the movement towards healing can begin.
The Orders of Love, developed by Bert Hellinger, underpin Systemic and Family Constellations. When the Orders of Love are respected, love flows to bringing healing to the client and to the family system.
It’s not only the client who benefits from a constellation. Representing and witnessing constellations may bring healing as the constellation resonates with you and your family system. Or experiencing what it is like to ‘be in someone else’s shoes’. Perhaps you get to feel what unconditional love from a mother feels like. Or you may get to represent an aspect of Nature (Nature Constellations), or a part of someone (in an Inner Parts Constellation ).
You do not need any experience to attend a group constellation – just an open heart, and a willingness to trust and as you allow yourself to sink into the magic of constellation work in the Knowing Field. Simply sitting in circle holding space and witnessing the constellation unfold is powerful and healing.
This process can bring up emotions both for the client and for others attending the workshop. Care is taken not to cause re-traumatisation. The facilitator is there is to support you during the session.
Constellations offered by Robyn Fergus at Inner Peace Healing
Depending on what is presented by the client I use the constellation style that is most suited to the client and the issue presented.
My constellation work is influenced by the deep respect I hold for Ancestors, my work as a Shamanic Practitioner and as an Energy Healer.
One-on-One Family Constellations
When a group is not present there is the option of a private one-on-one constellation. During one-on-one constellations, I use dolls (who I call my constellation people) to represent the client and family members. Sometimes the client and I may step into representation, and use felt markers on the floor.
If needed I incorporate Crystal Surgery and Energy Healing to support the healing process.
Constellation Circle
The Constellation Circle is a 5-hour workshop. We start by sitting in circle and connecting to the theme of the day with a meditation.
This is followed by Constellation Exercises (a mini snapshot constellation) in groups of 2 or 3 people. These structured constellations are built around the issue or theme of the day. These exercises give everyone an opportunity to experience some personal work.
After the Constellation Exercise, there are group constellations. Who the issue holders are for the group constellations is decided on the day – usually as an outcome of the constellation exercises. There is the option to pre-book a constellation if you want to be certain of having a constellation on the day.
Shamanic Constellation Journey
This is a series of 3 Constellations workshops held every 2 – 3 weeks. A healing journey of honouring your ancestors, releasing entanglements to find flow in your life, finding your place in your family and acknowledging the gifts you’ve received for being part of your family.
Woven between the Group Family Constellations will be Healing Drum Journeys, Meditations and Constellation Exercises.
As we sit in circle a deep trust is built. This creates a space of safety to explore what has been hidden and to slowly release the entanglements. During the 3 sessions, everyone will have a chance to be constellated and to represent.
Each Journey has a different theme. We examine that theme during the meditations and constellation exercises.
This healing journey draws on Shamanic Constellations, African Constellations, Spiritual Constellations and my work as a Shamanic Practitioner.
Family Constellations Styles
Family Constellations (also referred to as Systemic Constellations) was developed by Bert Hellinger in late 1980’s. For 16 years, from the 1950’s, Bert Hellinger worked as a missionary in the schooling in Zululand. He was a fluent Zulu Speaker. After returning to Germany he studied psycho analysis and other modalities which evolved into Family Constellations. Over the years various styles of Family Constellations have developed.
Bert Hellinger’s early work was more controlled. In Classical Constellations – the client guides the representatives where to stand. They only move when instructed by the facilitator (to a place of their choosing or where the facilitator suggests). The facilitator asks the representatives what they are feeling and gives them healing sentences to speak out loud.
Movement of Soul Constellations is a style that allows for more freedom of movement for the representatives. They move slowly to where they are pulled in the field. Guided by the facilitator, the representatives can speak more freely about what is arising for them.
Movement of Spirit or New Constellations is a more silent process. Instead of the representatives speaking the healing sentences the client, the issue holder, speaks them. The representatives move as they feel shifts in the knowing field.
Irrespective of the style of facilitation – the client – is of utmost importance. Care is taken that the client is not re-traumatised should sensitive events unfold. So too is care taken of Representatives.
Systemic Supervision
I have trained with the CSC, based in the UK, to offer supervision for the Constellation Facilitators. Supervision can be used to support you as you start working as a facilitator. For experienced facilitators, it offers you a chance to reflect on your work and perhaps to notice your blind spots as a facilitator.
Registered Member of the Systems Constellations Association of Southern Africa
Registered Member of the International Systemic Constellation Association